Nervous Newbie

Hi Everyone!

Like other newbies, I just found this forum and I'm both pleasantly excited and unbelievably nervous as I hope to have RNY in mid-2010. Your success stories are amazing while the tales of possible complications frighten me to the point of insomnia -- is that normal?!

In preparation for my RNY, I'm trying to lose as much weight as possible so I'm wondering if someone will share the diet they put you on just prior to undergoing surgery? I'm doing my own diet of sorts right now, but if there is a better way, I'd love to have the details from the people in the know.
Additionally, is there anything you learned while going through this process that you wish you'd known when you were just beginning?

Thanks for sharing anything you can with this oh so nervous newbie!

Steph

Hey Steph,

Congrats on your decision to have RNY! You're feelings are totally normal- I was freaked out big time beforehand, but it's the best decision that I've ever made!

As for the pre-op diet, I did a protein shake for bfast and lunch, 2 low carb snacks (like 10 almonds or a stick of cheese) and then a small low-carb dinner (like 5oz chkn breast and 1 cup broccoli plus sauces).
I lost 50lbs in about 3months doing that.

Good Luck!

One important thing to remember about complications is that a whole lot of people WHO DON'T HAVE COMPLICATIONS just get on with their lives and don't post much after their surgeries/initial postop period. I attended real world support group meetings that scared me to death. It's totally normal to freak out. Some people had reasons for their complications, learn from those!

My preop diet immediately before surgery was all liquids. It's a rare person that can do that for long without losing their mind.

I think Ink'd's diet looks more doable for the long term. But I'm sure other people will chime in.

Good luck!!

Totally normal. But what the others say is true those not needing support or advice seem to maove on quickly and or not well represented on the boards.  I am only 3 months post op, but have experienced no complications, my only challenge has been getting enough liquids (which I know sounds crazy it did to me pre-op).  the low carb diet already described is probably the best thing to do pre-op, but you are making a good choice to lose weight pre-op, it makes for less to lose post-op and other healthful benefits pre-surgery.  
 
I think starting some sort of excercise/movement, take a good look at you labs and start supplements/vitamins a lot of us are already low in some, like vitamin D, before and it is easier to sustain levels post-op han to raise them.  Another helful hint is to practice not drinking after eating for 30 minutes(this is strangely difficult at first).  Practice small bites and sips is also helpful, but will be hard to truly understand how small they should be til post op.

And read the boards, it's important to know what to expect, or the possibilities though the experiences varies for most of us. There are also some books out there you may want to read.  I liked Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies myself.(kind of reminds me of the what o expect when you are expecting book)

I have not been stuck, dumped, foamies, thrown up, constipation, lactose intolerance, or anything, but I expected that I may, so I have been pleasantly surprised thus far (knock on wood)

"I have not been stuck, dumped, foamies, thrown up, constipation, lactose intolerance, or anything, but I expected that I may, so I have been pleasantly surprised thus far (knock on wood)"

LOL! I think I've experienced all of those except throwing up, but I was prepared and didn't freak out (well, not too much!).

Weight Loss for Dummies is a good book.

Reading the boards is very helpful.

Hey Steph, I had freaked out so much from complications that I delayed surgery for 5 yrs and gained an additional 60 lbs. So I agree with the other folks, that complications DO occur, but the risk of staying morbidly obese is high.

I had to lose 37 lbs pre op for insurance. If I got too low in calories during the day, I'd eventually go nutso at night and overeat from extreme hunger or something. I did best on protein shake breakfast, Lean Cuisine and apple or veggie for lunch, and a big salad with protein or cooked protein and veggie for dinner. I also had Vita muffin top snack or SF pudding.

I've learned that you can sort of drown your hunger pre op and post op with a series of no calorie liquids. I keep a drink nearby at ALL times: in the car, at work, during crafts, while reading. Always sipping the drink. Sometimes I get confused and don't know if I'm hungry or not. (You also get the bonus of burning calories running to the bathroom all the time!)

THANKS so much for the warm welcome and the words of wisdom. You guys are awesome! 

I see my surgeon for our first one-on-one visit later this week so that appointment will either make me feel more comfortable with my WLS decision or it will send me scampering back to the Xanax bottle for a little reassurance. 

I look forward to getting to know many of you through this forum b/c I'd love to be able to offer support *plus* I can't even begin to tell you how much support I'll probably need along the way...

Thanks again for being so accepting.